Temecula Valley loses pair for the stretch run

Temecula Valley loses its two top-scorers plus recruiting updates from the prep gridiron.

Temecula Valley’s 73-65 defeat to Murrieta Mesa in boys basketball Friday night did far more damage than just severely damage the Golden Bears’ Southwestern League title hopes.

The fourth-place Bears (4-4) had their two-leading scorers, Brandon Rosser (14.2 points per game) and Michael Price (12.8 ppg), suffer injuries that are certain to keep them out of Tuesday’s contest versus first-place Great Oak (6-2) and possibly for the remainder of the season including the playoffs.

According to Bears coach Kyle Armstrong, Rosser felt a pop in his knee after an opposing player collided into his leg during the fourth quarter of Friday’s game. Temecula Valley trailed by only four points when Rosser departed.

Fortunately for Rosser, a devastating knee injury such as an ACL tear has been ruled out. He will have a MRI Monday to get a more specific prognosis of his knee condition. Armstrong said, at worst, Rosser has a MCL tear that will sideline him for one to two months.

Meanwhile, Price suffered his second concussion in the past month. Armstrong said Price will be forced to sit out at least two to three weeks because of school protocol on head trauma.

“It’s a difficult situation for both the kids and parents,” Armstrong said. “Both are seniors and they want to finish out their senior years. There’s unfinished business and they want to get it done for team. But their long-term health is the top priority.”

The 6-foot-8 Rosser is a candidate to play Division I basketball. Armstrong said Price is likely to resume his career at Southern Virginia, a Division III program.

FOOTBALL COMMITMENTS

• Murrieta Mesa defensive lineman Jess Ayala has accepted an offer to UC Davis according to Rams head coach Justin Schaeffer. Ayala is the first player in the program’s history to receive a full-scholarship.

• Great Oak shortstop Terrian Arbet, outfielder Luke Persico and right-handed pitcher Orlando Meza have been invited to Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau’s Southern California Invitational, held in Compton on Saturday. The event offers the trio the chance to perform in front of major league scouts.